Understanding What a Gene Mutation Is
A gene mutation is a change in the DNA sequence of a gene. These changes can be small or large and may affect how a gene works.
How Gene Mutations Happen
Copying mistakes: Cells sometimes make errors when copying DNA.
Environmental factors: Radiation, chemicals, or UV light can damage DNA.
Inherited changes: Some mutations are passed down from parents.
Types of Gene Mutations
Point mutations: A single DNA letter is changed.
Insertion: Extra DNA letters are added.
Deletion: DNA letters are removed.
Duplication: Sections of DNA are copied more than once.
Effects of Gene Mutations
Mutations can have different outcomes depending on where they occur and how they alter the gene.
No effect: Many mutations change nothing.
Helpful: Some mutations improve survival and drive evolution.
Harmful: Others can disrupt normal cell function.
Examples in Nature
Adaptation: Mutations that help species survive, like antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
Variation: Differences in eye color, height, or traits across individuals.
How Cells Handle Mutations
Cells have repair systems that fix most DNA errors. Only a small percentage of mutations remain permanent.
Why Gene Mutations Matter
They create genetic diversity, drive evolution, and help scientists understand how life changes over time.
The Simple Takeaway
A gene mutation is a change in DNA. It can be neutral, helpful, or harmful—and it plays a major role in how species evolve and vary.